Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1) open their home schedule at Target Center as 8-point favorites against the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 223.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports – Ohio at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Timberwolves (2.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, 112-108, while the Cavaliers (12.5-point underdogs) fell to the Toronto Raptors, 116-104. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Minnesota game finished 8 points over the projected point total of 212, while the Cleveland game went 4.5 points over the projected point total of 215.5.

Cleveland did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (29-39; 74.4 percent) while Minnesota did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (24-27; 88.9 percent). Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler had a solid performance, putting up 23 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Cleveland rallied around Cedi Osman, who contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The prolific offense of Minnesota will clash against the porous defense of Cleveland. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Cavaliers are 29th in defensive efficiency. The Timberwolves should have the advantage on that side of the ball. ,

Since last season, the Cavaliers are 50-33 straight up (SU) and 46-50-5 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has had a tendency to set the total low when Cleveland is involved since last season as 60.4 percent of their games have finished over the O/U total.

The Timberwolves have had a respectable 47-36 SU record since last season, but are just 37-46 ATS. Over that same time frame, Minnesota’s games have had a tendency to finish over the projected point total (53.0 percent).

This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last contest, the Cavaliers won 140-138. The Cavaliers’ 18.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Timberwolves, who had a rate of 10.5.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • The Timberwolves rank 17th in assists per game (22.6) while the Cavaliers rank 27th in assists allowed per game (25.1).
  • Cleveland ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (31.6) while Minnesota ranks last (22.4).
  • The Cavaliers rank third in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the Timberwolves rank 14th (4.7).
  • Cleveland ranks 14th in fast break points per game (11.9) while Minnesota ranks 25th (9.8).
  • Cleveland ranks 16th in second chance points allowed per game (12.6) while Minnesota ranks 26th (13.2).
  • The Timberwolves rank seventh in steals per game (8.2) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (6.8).
  • The Timberwolves rank third in rebounds allowed per game (42.0) while the Cavaliers rank 14th (42.9).
  • Minnesota averages 17.0 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Cleveland ranks 14th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.9).
  • Minnesota ranks fourth in points in the paint per game (49.2) while Cleveland ranks 21st (43.5).
  • In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Cleveland is 22-6 and Minnesota is 19-4.
  • When scoring above 100 points, the Cavaliers are 58-22 and the Timberwolves are 45-26.
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